On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan’s conversation with Zihao Wang explores the unique perspective immigrants can bring to real estate, shaped by family experiences and early exposure to business principles. Zihao, founder and CEO of Motiva Holdings, shares how his parents involved him in their real estate business from a young age, giving him insights that laid the groundwork for his own success. Now leading a California-based private equity firm, Zihao focuses on value-added and opportunistic multifamily investments through equity syndications and joint ventures, driven by the foundational knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit his parents instilled.
Jonathan and Zihao dive into how growing up as the child of immigrants shaped Zihao’s approach to real estate. With early exposure to property management through his parents, Zihao developed an appreciation-centered strategy, favoring long-term value over cash flow, which he continues to apply in California despite its high costs. He discusses his investment strategy beyond California, the ideal investor profile he seeks, and how rising insurance costs are reshaping acquisitions. Zihao also highlights the importance of building client relationships grounded in empathy and trust.
You’ll hear more from Jonathan and Zihao about:
- Having two years of experience in property management allowed Zihao to gain experience in finding deals, creating more equity, and understanding what a property needs to be a good investment.
- Multifamily properties are Zihao’s focus, and while he has some small retail properties, multifamily is where he’s found success in California and beyond.
- Motiva Holdings is expanding beyond California into Texas, Florida, and North Carolina.
Investing in California can seem impossible, but Ziaho Wang has successfully established a business there and continues to make it work in multifamily. His company is helping other investors do the same.
If you want to learn more about Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing Podcast, check out https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/190/.